Yep it requires firmware, htc_9271.fw, it's in the linux-firmware package.

PS. The driver is not ath9k (that one is for PCIe cards), but ath9k_htc. They share a lot of code (the ath9k_hw module), but are still separate drivers, so make sure you've selected the correct one in your kernel config

i really wanted an ath9k card that could just kernel its drivers.... i guess its ok, my ubuntu install media can handle the device so i can do live wifi installs of gentoo still, and merge firmwares from ubuntu chrooting into gentoo build.